Medical/legal question.

[coldboremiracle]

So as many of you know, I had surgery a couple years ago to donate a kidney. It was as good an experience as surgery can be, I guess. All the costs involved were paid for by the recipient's insurance. But I still was off work for several weeks, and that was a separate cost. After recovery, everything went fine, but after some time, I developed a hernia at the surgical site, as well a complication involving one of my trained attack testicle's. So a year or two after the initial surgery, I went back in for a second double surgery to correct the hernia and my overzealous left bruiser.
Again I endured the pain of recovery, as well as some time off of work. I took extra special care not to exert myself as directed by the doctors. I avoided lifting anything heavier than my rifle for six months almost. Well, more than a year later, I recently noticed some strange pains and sensations in the hernia area. And several times now, I have confirmed protruding "stuff" causing discomfort. As well as audible sounds when pushing these protrusions back in. So in my non-professional opinion, it seems that I have a hernia still, either new, or the same. It feels and looks the same if not worse than the last one.
So Im worried now about what to do, I know they will fix it again, as they are obligated to correct anything caused by the donation surgery. But I cant afford more time off work, nor do I want to deal with surgery for the rest of my life. I've been considering speaking with a lawyer about my options, only because Im concerned they may try and get out of it.
What would you guys suggest? Particularly those who may have been through a similar situation.

 

[Maggot]

YOu got it right. Speak to an attorney. Immediately.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Thats it?

 

[DarnYankeeUSMC]

I would think that lost wages should have been covered by the recipients insurance the first two times. I guess only a medical malpractice lawyer will be able to guide you. Of course once the hospital/doctor hear from a lawyer all communication will end. You will be stuck in the legal trap of waiting for lawyers to run up a sizeable bill before anything gets done.

 

[snipe10]

Yea that's it, don't take medical or legal advice from anyone but a pre-qualified, pre-screened professional. While many here would like to help, this is the kind of shit where you need a pro that knows everything about your case and can represent you in a professional way. Sorry you're going through this after you were good enough to donate a kidney in the first place. Good luck!

 

[Maggot]

Look into Get Legal Advice, Legal Services Plans & Help From LegalShield

You pay by the month...either $17 or $25 and have the right to call anytime day or night for any problem, no charge. YOu also et a couple hours court room time and several hours paperwork time...more for the higher payment. If you need more you get a 25% discount. I cant speak for Utah but here in Virginia the firm that sponsers it is a 5 star or how ever they rank the top tier of law firms...Framme Law Firm. Ive only asked a few questions but a buddy I turned on to it damn near hugs me every time I see him. They save him a bundle by just writing a couple letters.

Regardless, for a case like this get a top ranked attorney. If youve got a case they will take it for a percent of what they win. Good luck. Youve got more balls than I do, givin away a kidney.

 

[coldboremiracle]

Im not looking for a lawsuit, I just am sick of surgery, recovery, and all that goes with it. That, and I dont want to spend the rest of my life paying for this.

 

[Rustybroadhead]

one other thought and someone who is actually in the insurance business may quash this.... Take out a short term disability policy on your self. They are typically very inexpensive but will pay starting DAY1 you are out of work. Only catch to my great and wonderful solution (LOL) is that it may be considered pre-existing and they may not cover it.

Would likely be a hell of a lot cheaper than an attorney!

Good luck! And God bless you for your donation

 

[vetman1]

Short term disability probably will not work as they consider it a pre-existing condition.

Hernias are a pain no doubt. No pun intended they are very painful and once they occur they are difficult to fix. Finding the right surgeon is as difficult as finding the right gun. Did they use mesh to fix the hernia? Hernias are like reloading brass. You have to know what you are doing if you want the best chance at success.

I would investigate before I had another surgery. You should be reimbursed for lost wages, but you will have to fight the insurance company.

 

[Killswitch Engage]

This must be what they meant when they said no good deed goes unpunished... Hope you get it sorted out cold bore

 

[coldboremiracle]

I already have STD through my work, and have used it before (on the first surgery) but it pays dick compared to my salary. Its better than nothing, but its not gonna pay the bills. As far as insurance company, I dont know that there is one involved at this point, the buck has been passed now to the transplant clinic, so I believe any further costs will be on them.

 

[leagle2]

First, get to a different Dr. to figure out what's wrong and what you have to do to fix it once and for all. Then get a second opinion. Then talk to an attorney who specializes in medical malpractice. He should have access to medical experts who can render an opinion as to whether your current condition is caused by medical negligence. Depending on the state where you live (or where the surgeries were performed) you may have statute of limitations issues, especially with the first surgery. You should also consider not discussing potential litigation on the internet.

 

[Strykervet]

Yea that's it, don't take medical or legal advice from anyone but a pre-qualified, pre-screened professional. While many here would like to help, this is the kind of shit where you need a pro that knows everything about your case and can represent you in a professional way. Sorry you're going through this after you were good enough to donate a kidney in the first place. Good luck!

Dude, yeah, hats off but you need to speak to a medical lawyer. Or somebody --you definitely have a hernia if you are pushing intestine (it's intestine?) back in your abdomen. This is dangerous. You could risk twisting the intestine or causing an internal infection or a bowel obstruction (of which small bowel obstructions are worse --"never let the sun set on a small bowel obstruction" they say. Sounds like it all needs to be pushed back in properly and simply stapled shut. You need staples on the abdominal and torso muscles if I'm not mistaken. But in my laproscopic appendectomy, they used stitches since the 3 cuts were so very small. I was moving around very fast.

You'd of course need healing time, especially with staples and/or a larger hole, and if your job can and cares, they'll give you a cush job, a desk job for a while if possible. Maybe meet 'em half way? Because lifting will be out for a good while.

Donating a kidney, wow... You, sir, are most definitely a hero of another caliber altogether. I wish all the best with this. But mind you, my opinions above are just those, I'm no expert, so seek a few of those out.

 

[Switchblade]

Why have you not filed a claim for lost wages due to the surgery with the receivers insurance? They owe you that, unless you signed it away or made an agreement to not receive it.

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

Im not looking for a lawsuit, I just am sick of surgery, recovery, and all that goes with it. That, and I dont want to spend the rest of my life paying for this.

That's an amazing selfless act donating a kidney...............kudos to you. Hernia surgeries are much more difficult than you would imagine, it's not unusual that they need a touch up. Go back to your surgeon (or for a second opine) and get evaluated and taken care of first, you can always hire a malpractice attorney if necessary.

 

[Maggot]

That's an amazing selfless act donating a kidney...............kudos to you. Hernia surgeries a much more difficult than you would imagine, it's not unusual that they need a touch up. Go back to your surgeon (or for a second opine) and get evaluated and taken care of first, you can always hire a malpractice attorney if necessary.

Yep, Ive got to buddies who had this surgery and both have had problems with the mesh moving. If fact there is or was a class action suit going on over the metal mesh. You might want to look into it.

 

[former naval person]

Get a referral to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. My humble, retired surgical advice.

 

[Guest]

No good deed goes unpunished.
I'd like to think that we live in a society where you could go back to the doctors and they'd do all they could to make things right.
That's not the reality, however, because doing so assumes liability.
You'e not likely to get the treatment you deserve until the suits get involved. Even then, they could decide to resist and have you tied up in court for years, or until you die from their mistakes.

I'd also add that it sucks that your employer didn't throw in some free paid leave to compensate you for your incredibly generous act.

 

[coldboremiracle]

My employer is a big faceless corporation, not interested in generous acts :/